MSc Applied Psychology (Conversion) - scholarships and bursaries available to those eligible

Gain the core skills and knowledge needed to progress to a range of psychology-based master’s degrees, regardless of your undergraduate background.

Whether you’re looking to specialise in areas like clinical, forensic or behavioural psychology, you’ll need to start your journey with a deep understanding of the subject and core skills in research.

This conversion course has been designed with that in mind. Through a mix of taught units covering many key areas of psychological theory, you’ll develop the fundamental knowledge and experience needed to advance to a range of psychology-based master’s degrees.

You’ll learn to use scientific investigation to understand how people think, feel and act — both individually and as part of social groups.

The course covers these core themes:

• the biological basis and mechanisms of thinking and mental processes
• the relationship between individual, social and cultural psychological processes
• the application of social psychology and individual differences
• human development from birth through to adulthood and beyond, and the common changes that occur during the lifespan

You’ll also study a variety of empirical research methods relevant within psychology and complete a real-world research project with an external organisation. This will develop your ability to apply different methods correctly — both critically and ethically — and present your evidence and findings effectively.

Develop key skills

Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll have gained:

• the essential knowledge to progress to a range of specialist psychology-based master’s degrees
• research skills that can be applied in real-world settings
• a fundamental understanding of approaches, theories, and models used in psychology

You’ll also receive comprehensive support to help you find and prepare for graduate positions, internships, and a variety of other employment opportunities. This will include sessions that cover professional skills development.

Join our psychology community

As a student on this course, you’ll join our respected Department of Psychology. Our teaching is informed by current research and practice, ensuring that what you study is up-to-date and relevant.

We are ranked joint 57th in the world for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026) and offer several accredited undergraduate and master’s courses.

You’ll also benefit from the specialist knowledge of people in the wider Department of Psychology community. Their research interests span a wide range of applied psychology topics, including:

• behavioural economics
• clinical psychology
• cognitive neuroscience
• digital science
• health psychology
• social psychology
• sustainability

Use specialist facilities

The Department of Psychology is based in its own dedicated building, containing some of our leading research centres and groups.

You can use this space for group meetings, personal tutor sessions and computer work. The building contains advanced psychology research facilities, including:

• an electroencephalogram (EEG) scanner
• virtual reality lab with motion sensor cameras
• biopsychology suite with two-way mirror
• eye-tracking equipment
• sensory and pain research suite
• crossmodal laboratory

Graduate prospects

This is a conversion course created for people with bachelor’s degrees from different disciplines interested in progressing to careers within the field of psychology.

We want to give you the platform to complete the required further training to become a professional psychologist. This could be within clinical, educational, forensic, or organisational settings.

Psychology graduates are often valued for their research skills in other industries, too. Many go on to research careers in clinical sciences, data science, market research, and administration within sectors like healthcare, local and national government, education or business.

Many graduates from our specialist psychology master’s degrees (such as MSc Applied Clinical Psychology, MSc Health Psychology, MSc Applied Forensic Psychology with Placement, and MSc Applied Psychology and Economic Behaviour) go on to work in other public, private and third sector roles.

British Psychological Society (BPS) accreditation

We are currently seeking British Psychological Society (BPS)-accredited status for this course. Should this be granted, 2027 graduates will receive BPS Graduate Basis for Chartered membership (GBC) upon completion of their studies.

Get a taste of our courses before you apply

We hold a variety of in-person and virtual open days throughout the year. Come along and speak to our academics, current students and alumni to find out which course is right for you.

Sign up for a Postgraduate event

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath.

Find out more and apply